Oct. 13, 2015—SKF announced on Monday a new series of online videos featuring Bogi Latiener, owner of 180° Automotive, co-host of Velocity’s show “All Girls Garage,” and Ratchet+Wrench board member. Latiener partnered with SKF to educate shop owners, technicians and vehicle owners about the differences between premium and value-grade hub bearings.

“As an experienced master technician and shop owner, Bogi knows first-hand why it’s important not to compromise on quality or performance,” said Brian Jungmann, marketing communication project leader, SKF. “The new videos will help auto technicians and vehicle owners learn the importance of hub bearing quality and how to get the most out of their purchase.”

Often times value-grade hub assemblies claim to meet OE quality specification at half the price of premium quality assemblies. However, value-grade hubs can have a shorter service life than premium hub bearings and expose drivers to potential safety hazards. Imprecise tolerances, poor surface finishing and low quality reproduction sensors can compromise braking, handling and ABS function.

“There are a lot of parts in the aftermarket claiming to be premium, OE specified and 100 percent tested. They may all look the same, but looks can be deceiving,” Latiener said. “Here’s what really matters: will it fit right, will it work right and will it stay fixed? Premium quality hub bearings will operate and perform exactly like the original equipment.”

The following videos from SKF and Latiener’s video series are available to view:

• Explaining hub bearing quality to shops with Bogi
• Comparing hub bearings with Bogi